Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of the First 500 Positive Cases of COVID-19. A Multicenter Retrospective Study across the Najran Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection that was first reported in Wuhan, China on 31 December 2019. This study aimed to clarify the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of 500 first COVID-19 in the Najran region, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: A multi-center retrospective study design was employed to study the first 500 confirmed COVID-19 positive cases in Najran province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Data were collected from 1 March 2020 until 1 July 2020 and provided by the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) department from the hospitals. Included cases were confirmed using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Demographic, vital signs, symptoms, incubation period, travel or exposure history medical history, and comorbidities were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association between potential risk factors associated with symptoms occurrence of COVID-19. Results: The median age of 500 COVID-19 patients was 31 years;333 (66.6%) males. A total of 34 (6.8%) were Healthcare Workers (HCWs). Out of the 500 patients, 180 (36%) had at least one comorbid disease. The most common symptoms on admission were fever 281 (56.2%), cough 266 (53.2%), shortness of breath 166 (33.2%), and malaise 113 (22.6%). Most of the patients presented with mild disease severity 310 (62%). Nationality, age, and Diabetes Miletus (DM) were independently and significantly associated with being symptomatic (P < 0.05). Compared to Saudi nationals, other nationality patients were most likely to have symptoms (β = 2.968, CI = 2.002 - 4.400, P = 0.0010). For every 1 year increase in age, the risk of being symptomatic increased by 5.8% (β = 1.045, CI = 1.033 - 1.058, P = 0.001). Compared with non-DM patients, DM patients had a 4.05 times higher risk (β = 4.05, CI = 2.188 - 7.507, P = 0.001) of getting symptoms. Conclusions: The study concluded that the majority of the COVID-19 patients were symptomatic or had mild disease severity. Age, nationality, and DM were the important risk factors in being symptomatic.

Influenza Vaccination Campaign in Military Hospitals: The Example of Najran Armed Forces Hospital: Attitudes and Uptake of Medical and Para Medical Staff

Background: Because of their working environment, healthcare professionals (HCPs) are known to be at risk of contracting influenza virus from their patients and at the same time, act as a source of transmission to patients under their care. Successful Flu vaccination campaign among Health Care Workers can contribute to a large herd immunity in hospitals. Objective: This study was conducted to assess HCPs’ attitudes towards influenza vaccination as well as the main predictors for not getting vaccinated. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among HCPs practicing at Najran Armed Forces Hospital during flu vaccination campaign (2018-2019). The target population was composed of medical and para medical staff. Self administered pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect information about health workers’ attitudes towards flu vaccine. Results: Our study showed that 74% of the studied population were vaccinated during the last flu vaccination campaign. The main motivation of the staff to get vaccinated was a personal conviction for 71.4%, to avoid administrative sanctions for 7.1% and to have good relation with the administration for 5.1% of them. The probability of not getting vaccinated were significantly multiplied by 2.47;CI 95% = [1.15 - 5.32] among males compared to females and also it was significantly multiplied by 2.31;CI 95% = [1.07 - 4.9] among muslims compared to non muslims. Conclusion: The global flu vaccination rate in our study could be considered as acceptable to achieve herd immunity, more efforts needed in the future campaigns to convince especially male and muslim staff to take the flu vaccine.

Soil Properties for Earthen Building Construction in Najran City,Saudi Arabia

:Earth is the most common and important building material used in the construction industry,since it is found in almost every country in the world.Modern earthen construction is alive and well,and is spread over an enormous geographical area.This technique utilizes various earthen materials and numerous methods,and features many benefits for both construction in general and buildings in particular.Najran,a city located in the south of Saudi Arabia,is distinguished by its heritage of earthen architecture,which displays many advantages and a marvelous variety of types and exterior designs.Many weaknesses of the material,however,along with a lack of knowledge and rapid development have caused the uplifting and destruction of many of Najran’s mud and heritage buildings during the last few generations.Not all soil types are suitable for every building need.Soil specification is thus very important in order to ensure that the materials used in construction meet all requirements.The main goal of this study was to invistegate the suitability of local soils for the earthen building construction.Thus,available local materials of common quality were taken from local sites in Najran.Laboratory experimentation and testing was then performed to determine the properties of those materials.The results showed that local soil properties are suitable for using in the earthen block construction since they satisified the specifications.The results were then recorded for use in further studies,as well as to explore heritage building and rehabilitation,and to improve modern earthen building materials and techniques.

An Assessment of Healthcare Workers Knowledge about COVID-19

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a viral infection and considered the third coronavirus emerging among human beings over the past two decades. Healthcare Workers (HCWs) are at high risk of acquiring this serious infection during providing care to patients. Therefore, it’s crucial to assess the knowledge of the HCWs about COVID-19. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted on HCWs working at public hospitals and Primary Healthcare (PHC) centers in the Najran region, KSA to evaluate the staff’s knowledge toward COVID-19. The questionnaire consisted of two parts, the first part included the demographic data, and the second part involved questions related to the COVID-19. Results: 451 HCWs participated in this study and the median of overall knowledge score was 67%. Most HCWs properly identified symptoms (82.9%), mode of transmission (78.5%), the incubation period (96.4%), the way of preventing the infection (91.5%), the COVID-19 is not same as MERS-CoV (74.3%) and availability of a vaccine against the COVID-19 (82%). However, HCWs were less likely to identify the source of COVID-19 when it was discovered in China (22.5%), the mortality rate (44.6%), and the presence of treatment (32.1%). Overall knowledge score was statistically significantly associated with profession (P = 0.034), educational level (P = 0.033), and availability of the infection control in the workplace (P = 0.006). Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrated an intermediate level of knowledge of HCWs about COVID-19. Intervention programs are urgently needed to raise the knowledge of HCWs about this global public health issue.